Today's words from Howard Dean in what was a very good and solemn speech; long on content and, if you'll excuse the word, gravity, are a template for what it is that John Kerry should heed in his run for the presidency. Dean's words were, however, what we who have been following him have always knew him capable of--substance and gravity--when others were full of platitudes and feel-goodisms. That he continues to give meaning and voice to those of us who take our role in government seriously stands in sharp contrast to the empty words of our president. Not because Dean said anything new today, but precisely because, especially against the backdrop of a man removed from the race, the words he spoke today are so strikingly recognizable and familiar.
I walked away from the television realizing that the seriouness and solemnity of today's speech came from the fact that what he said during the campaign was born of conviction, and not merely a desire to be elected. If Howard Dean can go out on the trail and continue to give voice to we who so much prefered him to Kerry, and keep us involved in the process of involving others, we can pull off this election. Never before has a defeated primary candidate really done anything too much to help the nominee. Just think of how relevant Dean can be if he continues to give speeches such as this one to people all around the country.
May John Kerry learn--if nothing else--the relevance of Howard Dean's continued participation in this election if not any longer in the race for the office.